Open Space and Recreation - Scottsdale · Page 116 Scottsdale 00 General Plan • The character and function of open space will be different depending upon the context of the area

Open Space and Recreation Element Page 113

Introduction

Adequatenaturalanddevelopedopenspaceandrecreationalfacilitiesarenotmerelydesirable,butareessentialtotheoverallwellbeingofacommunity.Awell-managedsystemthatprovidesactiveandpassiverecreationalopportunitiesisconsideredanindispensablecommunityfeature,onethatshouldbeavailabletoallagesonayear-roundbasisinthecityofScottsdale.Theneedforthissystemhasresultedfromincreasedleisuretime,higherincomes,greatermobility,andanincreasingpopulation.OpenspaceinandaroundScottsdaleisbeingabsorbedatarapidrate.Thegrowingneedforpublicopenspaceandrecreationalamenitiesareakeyfocusofthecity.Asaresultofthisphilosophy,thecityisaggressivelypursuingopportunitiestoacquire new open space resources and looking into retrofitting existing parks andfacilitiestoaccommodatetherecreationalneedsofthefuture.Currently,thecity’sopenspaceandparksystemincludesapproximately15,000acresofdevelopedandundevelopedareas.Ultimately,thecitywillhave44,000acresofopenspacewhenitisbuiltout.

Open Space and Recreation cottsdale will respect and manage its open space resources and recreational amenities and services in ways that sustain and protect the natural environment and wildlife, our mountains, parks, washes, and open space legacy. This philosophy includes a balanced planning approach that seeks ways to conserve natural and recreational resources for the enjoyment of all citizens while meeting the needs of a developing community. The city’s parks, recreational facilities, and outdoor amenities will be enhanced to serve current and future generations. A substantial portion of the city will remain as natural open space through citizen initiative, as evidenced by the widespread support of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. Even in built-up areas, a network of parks, scenic corridors, paths, and trails will provide access to nature and urban open spaces, providing recreation opportunities, ecological benefits, and a source of beauty for residents. The city will continue to be involved in recreational opportunities that meet the needs of special populations - including children, seniors and people with disabilities.

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Specialopportunitiesexist,orwillbecreated,inScottsdalethatwillprovidetheseuniqueassets,suchas:

• McDowellSonoranPreserve• IndianBendWash• TheSonoranDesert• Numerouswashes,naturalorimproved(accommodatingtrails

whilemaintainingthedelicatebalancewithwildlifehabitats)• Scenicvistasandvistacorridors,andsceniccorridors(somethat

mayalsoaccommodatetrails)• Accesstoregionalopenspaceamenities• Uniquerocksandlandforms• Urbanopenspacethatincludesregionalcanalsandtrails• Publicarts,festivals,artshows• Activeanddesertparks• Multi-use(pedestrian,bicycle,equestrian,etc.)trails(non-paved)• Multi-use(pedestrian,bicycle,etc.)paths(paved)• Rare,historic,archaeologicalandculturalresources

In1978,thecityofScottsdalecreatedaparksplanningsystemthatwasbasedonthepark/recreationfacilitiesprovidedratherthanasetnumberofacres.Thesystemrecommendedthreeclassesofparkstobeprovided:neighborhoodparks,communityparks,andspecialtyparks.Projectedpopulationbasesareusedtodeterminefutureparkneedsandlocations.InScottsdale,ithasbeenthepracticethatlanddevelopersoftenparticipateintheprovisionofpublicparkswherenewpopulationbasesarecreatedasaresultofthedevelopmentplan.Inthefuture,provisionoflandforparkswillbeakeyissue,asfewerlargedevelopmentswilllikelytakeplace.

Thiselementestablishesasetofintegratedvisions,values,goals,andimplementationstrategiesthatguidedecision-makingandleadtowardtheprovisionofacomprehensiveopenspacesystemandrecreationalplan.Furthermore,thiselementrepresentsanimportantstepinthecity’scontinuingefforttoenhancethepublic’sabilityandopportunitiestoenjoyrecreationinScottsdale.Thesefacilitiesandprogramsenhancethesocial,psychologicalandphysicalwellbeingofthecitizensbyprovidingthemwith

enjoyableactivitiesandsettingsinwhichtospendtheirleisuretime.Theparkandrecreationsystemofdevelopedopenspaceprovidesopportunitiesforactiverecreationactivities.TheMcDowellSonoranPreserveprovidesopportunitiesforpassiverecreationactivities.ThePreserveisdiscussedmorethoroughlyinthePreservationandEnvironmentalPlanningElement,

butisreferencedhereforitspassiverecreationopportunities.Whenactiverecreation - field sports, tennis, and basketball - activities are discussed in theOpenSpaceandRecreationElement,itshouldbeunderstoodthatthesepoliciesdonotapplytotheMcDowellSonoranPreserve.


Thegoalsandstrategiesinthiselementarebasedonthefollowingplanningprinciples and basic findings of facts or existing conditions:

• Abalancedandadequatesystemofopenspacesisessentialtothiscommunity.ThecityofScottsdaleiscommittedtomaintainingandimprovingbothactiveandpassiveopenspacesinthecommunityforthepresentandfuturegenerations.

• Schools contribute significantly to the open space assets of thecommunity.LossofschoolopenspaceandfacilitieswouldbedetrimentaltothesystemandwouldsubstantiallydiminishrecreationalopportunitiesinScottsdale.

• Awell-balancedopenspacesystemprovidesmorethanrecreationandleisureopportunities.Openspaceisavitalcomponentofabalanced,attractive,anddesiredwayoflife.Insomecases,openspacehelpsresidentsofurbanareastomaintainaconnectionwithnatureandtheirenvironment.

• Openspacesoftensthevisualimageofthebuiltenvironment,andgenerallyprovidesforanaestheticallypleasingcommunity.

• Increasingpopulationandchangingdemographiccharacteristicswillcontinuetoimposeincreasingdemandsonopenspacesandrecreationalamenities.Limitedresourcesoftenhampertheprovisionofrecreationprogramsandfacilities.

• Openspaceofferstheopportunityforthecitytoretain,manage,andinterpretthesouthwesternhistoryandheritageofthepast.

Active Recreational Services v. Undisturbed NeighborhoodsEvery community wants and needs areas dedicated to active recreation, yet issues of noise, increased street traffic, and sports field lighting emerge as complicating factors. Scottsdale has long valued outdoor recreation as a major component of the lifestyle of the community. Installation of active recreational facilities in developed neighborhoods. can have significant negative impacts on surrounding residences. Yet, failure to install new facilities in new growth areas unfairly redirects the recreation facilities - and the related problems - back into neighborhoods where facilities already exist. This may create overburdening of existing parks, and often forces people to travel long distances from their neighborhoods to take advantage of recreation opportunities. Issues like equity of facility location, lighted ballfields in “dark sky” areas of the community, and turf in desert areas of the community complicate the ability to balance recreation planning for the entire community.


• Thecharacterandfunctionofopenspacewillbedifferentdependinguponthecontextoftheareawithinwhichitislocated.Again,balanceisthekey.Thecitywillworktobalancetherecreationalneedsofneighborhoodswiththeneighborhoods’otherqualityoflifeconsiderations,likelightingandnoise.

• Openspaceisoftenthreatenedbyintenseadjacent/surroundinguses,overuse,anddevelopmentencroachment.

• ViewshedstoopenspaceandvisuallinkagesareoftenindangerastheValleycontinuestodevelop.

• TheimportanceofsavingtheMcDowellSonoranPreserveisunderscoredbyArizonaGameandFish,whichconsiderstheMcDowell Mountains the most significant wildlife habitat in theValleyoutsidetheTontoNationalForest.

Scottsdale Values ... Strongcommunitysupportforpreservationofopenspaceandcitizens

thatarededicatedtopreservingthecity’snaturalandman-madeenvironment.

Naturalandman-madeopenspacesystemsandtheviewsofthesurroundinglandscapefortheirintrinsicvalue.

Theavailabilityanddevelopmentofavarietyofhighqualityrecreationalopportunities.(suchaslibraries,golf,tennis,walking,biking,sightseeing,wildlifeobservation,hiking,equestrianactivities,group sports, boating, fishing, skateboard parks, dog parks, pedestriancorridors,andgreenways,etc.)

AccesstonumerousopenspaceareasincludingtheIndianBendWashandtheMcDowellSonoranPreserve,andneighborhoodparks.

Socialinteractionachievedthroughrecreationalservicesandfacilities.

Maximizingresourcesbyusingmulti-usefacilities,i.e.,IndianBendWash,joint-useschoolsites,andCommunityCenters.

Thedevelopingpotentialofexistingopenspaceresourcesrepresentedby school grounds, flood control areas, and other open spaces.

Regionalcooperationthatplansandpreservestheregion’sopenspaceandrecreationalfacilities.

Utilizingtheredevelopmentprocessasatooltocreatenewopenspace.


Acomprehensiveandconnectedsystemthatlinkstogetherexistingmulti-usetrailswithdevelopingareasandthenaturalpreserveareas.

Thehistoryofplanningthefutureexpansionofrecreationalfacilities,whichhasplayedamajorroleinthedevelopmentoftheexistingsystemandcontinuestoplayanimportantroleforfutureplanning.

Openspaceandrecreationalamenitiesthatprovideanindividualsolitudeorparticipatinginagroup.

Opportunitiestoproviderecreationalamenitiesthatsupportcurrentpopulationaswellasanticipatethedesiresandneedsoffuturegenerations.

Acommunitywithnumerousrecreationalfacilitiesdispersedthroughoutitsborders.Suchaninventorymakesexpansionandlinkingoftheseeasierandmorerewardingtotheresidentsofthecity.

Therecognitionandsupportoftheconstitutionally-guaranteedprivatepropertyrightsandoppositiontoanypracticeorprogramthatwouldresultinaviolationofthoserightsorthetakingofpropertywithoutdueprocessandequitableresolution.

Goals and Approaches1. Protect and improve the quality of Scottsdale’s natural

and urban environments as defined in the quality andquantity of its open spaces.

• Provideampleopportunityforpeopletoexperienceandenjoy the magnificent Sonoran Desert and mountains,balancingaccesswithpreservation.

• Provideavarietyofopportunitiesforpassiveandactiveoutdoorrecreationalactivities,suchashiking,horsebackriding,mountainbiking,rockclimbingandwildlifeobservation.

• ProvideopportunitiesforeducationandresearchontheSonoranDesertandmountains,andthehistoryandarchaeologyofthecommunity.

• Provide access areas of sufficient size and with adequatefacilitiesforpublicuseandopenspacesystemaccess.

• Developanon-pavedpublictrailsystemforhiking,mountainbiking,andhorsebackridingandlinkthesetrailswithothercityandregionaltrails.


• Restorehabitatindegradedareas(burned,grazed,vehiculardamage)oftheMcDowellSonoranPreservetoitsundisturbedconditionincludingplantspeciesdiversityandnaturalecologicalprocesses.

• Supporttourisminthecommunitybyprovidingpublicscenic-outdoors-educational-recreationalopportunitiesforvisitors.

• Designateviewshedsandconsiderthemwhenapprovingdevelopment.• Promotecreativeresidentialandcommercialdevelopmenttechniques

consistentwiththeCharacterPlanforanarea,tofurtherpreservemeaningfulandaccessibleopenspace.

• Relatethecharacterofopenspacestotheusesandcharacterofdifferentareasofthecity.

• Preserveandintegratevisualandfunctionalconnectionsbetweenmajorcityopenspacesintothedesignofdevelopmentprojects.

• Evaluateopenspacedesignwiththeseprimarydeterminants:aesthetics,publicsafety,maintenanceneeds,waterconsumption,drainageconsiderations,andmulti-useanddesertpreservation.

• Integrateutilitiesandotherpublicfacilitiessitedinopenspacesintothedesignofthoseopenspaces,withconsiderationgiventomaterials,form,andscale.

• Protectthevisualqualityofopenspace,uniquecitycharacteristics,andcommunitylandmarks.

• Preservescenicviewsandvistasofmountains,naturalfeatures,andrurallandmarks.

• Protectanduseexistingnativeplants,thedesignthemesofcharacterareaswithinwhichtheyaresited,andresponsetolocalconditionsinlandscapedesigns.

• Permanentlysecureaninterconnectedopenspacesystemtomaintainvisualandfunctionallinkagesbetweenmajorcityopenspaces.Thissystem should include significant Scottsdale landmarks, major drainagecourses,regionallinkagesandutilitycorridors.

• ApplyaScenic Corridor designationalongmajorstreetstoprovideforopenspaceandopportunitiesfortrailsandpaths.Thisdesignationshouldbeappliedusingthefollowingguidelines:* Thereisaneedforalandscapedbufferbetweenstreetsandadjacent

landuses.* Anenhancedstreetscapeappearanceisdesired.* Viewstomountainsandnaturalorman-madefeatureswillbe

enhanced.• ConsiderBufferedRoadwaystoprovidethestreetscapewithaunique

imagethatshouldalsoreducetheimpactsofamajorstreetonadjacentparcels.Thistypeofdesignationisprimarilyanaestheticbuffer.

• ApplyaDesertScenicRoadwaydesignationalongtheonemileandahalfmilestreetswithintheEnviornonmentallySensitiveLandsOrdinance (ESLO) destrict that are not classified as scenic Corridors orBufferedRoadwaystomaintainandenhanceopenspacealongroadwaysinESLareas.

see Open Space map for locations

see Character and Design Element

see Character and Design Element

see Economic Vitality Element

see Case �-GP-�00�for detail


• Applyuptoa100footscenicbufferalongstreetswithinandadjacent totheRecommendedStudyBoundaryoftheMcDowellSonoran Preserveonundeveloped(asof10-04-2005)propertiesof25acresor larger.

• Promoteprojectdesignsthatareresponsivetothenaturalenvironment,people’sneeds,siteconditions,andindigenousarchitecturalapproachestoprovideuniquecharacterforthecity.

• Continuetoworkwithdevelopersindesigninglanduseplansthatrespectthetopography,viewcorridors,wildlifecorridors,andopenspacethatexists.Wherepossible,enhanceexistingviewshedsasareasaredevelopedandredeveloped.

2. Manage a comprehensive open space program that is responsive topublic need, delivers high quality customer service, and exemplifiesthe city’s commitment to leadership in environmental affairs.

• Continuetoencourageactivecitizeninvolvementinthedevelopment andmanagementofopenspace.

• Provideamechanismthatreceivesandrespondstopubliccommentsonthedesign,effectivenessandconditionofsitesandfacilities.

• Provideacomprehensiveprogramofconsistentandeffectiveoperationsandmaintenanceforallopenspaceandfacilities.

• Implementinnovativepoliciesandpracticesthatsupportthecity’sleadershipinenvironmentalaffairs.

• Investigateandimplementtechniquesthatminimizeuseofchemicalsinmaintainingturfandlandscapematerialsindevelopedopenspaceareas.

• Maintainallpublicopenspaceandrecreationalfacilities,sotheyare safeandconvenientforusers.

• Maintain significant open space within the urban core of the city.• EnhancetheopenspaceconnectionswithinOld Town.• Createusableopenspacesfromexistingstreetrights-of-way,widening

sidewalks,realignment,developingtrails,etc.• Promote“docent”or“steward”programsforthecity’spublicopen

spaces.BuildupontheexistingprogramsfortheMcDowellSonoranPreserve,adoptastreet,andFriendsoftheScenicDrive.

• Promotethreedistinctivetypesofopenspacesthroughacquisition,dedication,or“setaside”:* Passivenaturalopenspacesthatwillpreservewildlifehabitatand

viewcorridorsandsensitivehistorical/archeologicalsites,andprovideareasforlowimpactrecreationalactivities,suchashiking,bicycling,mountainandrockclimbing,andhorsebackriding.

* Asystemofcontiguousopenspaces,accessiblefromScottsdaleneighborhoods,thatconnectthedesert,mountains,washes,andcanalsystem.

* Parkspaceandfacilitiesforactiverecreationalactivities,suchassoftball,tennis,basketball,volleyball,swimming,andequestrianpursuits.


3. Acquire and develop open space identified (by the City Council) ashigh priority through land dedication or purchase.

• Encouragelandownerswithlandsuitableforfuturedevelopmenttodedicateparkspaceinadvanceatlocationswherethereisanexistingneighborhoodparkshortageorneedtopreserveopenspace,naturalfeaturesorscenicviewswiththeprovisionofcredittowardfuturedevelopment.

• Provideincentives,whereappropriate,topromotethededicationofnaturalareaopenspacebypropertyowners.

• Requirethededicationoflandbydeveloperswhenthepropertytobedevelopedisadjacenttoanexistingopenspace,parksiteorareaotherwise identified as high priority for open space uses.

• Identifyrevenuesourcesandincreaserevenues,wherepossible,whichcanbeallocatedtoopenspacesandparksoperatingbudgetsandcapitalimprovements.

• Encouragepublicacquisitionofnaturalareaordevelopedopenspacethroughdirectpurchase,purchaseofdevelopmentrights,orpurchaseofopenspaceeasements.

4. Encourage and cooperate with other governmental agencies topreserve and protect regional open space and to acquire, develop,maintain and operate regional facilities that are available to peoplewho live, work or visit the city of Scottsdale.

• SupportandencourageMaricopaCounty,theMaricopaAssociationofGovernments(MAG),StateofArizona,TontoNationalForest,andappropriatefederalagenciesandestablishedprivateentitiestoacquire,develop,protect,maintainandoperateexistingandnewopenspaceinandaroundScottsdale.

• Supportotheragenciesinthedevelopmentofregionalpedestrian/bicycle/multi-usetrails.

• Cooperatewithotherpublicandprivateagenciesontheplanninganddevelopmentofopenspacesitesandfacilitieslocatedadjacenttocityboundaries.

5. Improve the quality of life for all Scottsdale residents by ensuring awide range of recreational facilities and services.

• Broadencitizenparticipationbythecommunityinallphasesoftheplanninganddeliveryofrecreationalopenspace.

• Encouragetheexpandeduseofprivateresourcesandresourcesownedorcontrolledbypublicentitiesotherthanthecity,whicharesuitableforrecreationalpurposes.

see Community Mobility Element


• Conductanongoing,systematicassessmentofrecreationalfacilityneedsandpreferencesinrecreationalprogramming.

• Useparksandgreenspacesystemsasprimaryelementsinplanningforlongtermsensitivegrowthplanning,endangeredspeciesprotection,andwatershedprotectionbyplacingimportantnaturalareasinthepublicdomain.

• Considerawiderangeofrecreationaluses,includingequestrianandbicycleusesduringparkplanning.

• Pursueuniqueopportunitiestoacquireadditionallandhavingrecreationalpossibilitiesatminimumcosts.

• Prioritizenewfacilitiesbasedonthoseareasindicatingthegreatestneed(i.e.overcrowdingorunavailableresources).

• Encouragemultipleusefunctionsatrecreationalfacilities-educational,recreational,etc.

6. Cooperate with and support the school districts that serve Scottsdaleto be able to continue access to school sites and facilities for suitable,safe, and consistent recreational use and enjoyment.

• Continueclosecooperationwiththeschooldistrictsforjointplanning,design,developmentanduseofopenspaceandrecreationalfacilitiesonornexttoschools.

• Encouragetheschooldistrictstoretainschoolsitesusedforcommunityopen space and recreational programs. When financially feasible,consideracquisitionorjointuseofsitesandsuitablefacilitiesthataredeclaredsurplusiftheyareneededtomaintainneighborhoodopenspaceaccessibility.

• Wherepossible,locateparksandrecreationalspacesadjacentorcontiguoustoschoolgroundstoencouragethemaximumuseofbothproperties.Supplementalrecreationalopportunitiesareavailableatmostschoolsites.(seenextbullet)

• Makeschoolsiterecreationfacilities(basketballcourts,playgrounds,tennis courts, fields, etc.) available, wherever possible, and encouragejointuseofpark,school,andlibrarysitesbythecityandSchoolDistricts.

• Promoteschoolsitedesignthatencouragesnon-motorizedtravelforstudentsandpersonnelby accommodatingdirectlinksbetweenschoolsandneighborhoodsinamannerthatminimizesexposuretovehicles.



7. Provide attractive, well-maintained community recreational andpark facilities that serve the entire community.

Scottsdale’sparksandrecreationalfacilitiesareanimportantpartofwhatmakesthecityadesirableplacetolive.Thecityiscommittedtocontinuedinvestmentsinitsinfrastructureandpublicfacilities,asresourcesareavailable.Thiscommitmentrequiresastrongemphasisonmaintenance,rehabilitation,andmodernization.Thecityisalsocommittedtoprovidingnewservicesinareasthatareunder-served,andinareaswherechangeisexpectedinthefuture.Newparksandrecreationalamenitieswillhelpthecitysustainitspositionasamodelforpublicservicedelivery.Thefollowingpolicies, unless specifically noted, do not apply to the McDowell Sonoran Preserve.• Whereappropriate,maintainexistingrecreationalfacilitiesinpublic

ownershiptopreventpotentialshortagesinthefuture.• Design and construct new community facilities to have flexible functions

toensureadaptabilitytothechangingneedsofthecommunity.• Explorewaystoexpandthespaceavailableinthecommunityfor

culturalinterests.• Developimprovementplansforthemaintenance,restorationand

enhancementofcommunityrecreationalfacilities,andkeeptheseviablecommunityassetsbyinvestingthenecessaryresources.

• Conductcomprehensiveanalysesoflong-terminfrastructurereplacementrequirementsandcoststhroughCapitalImprovementsPlan.

• Makeinfrastructureimprovementsonpublicopenspaceonlywhentheseimprovementsareconsistentwiththegoalsofprotectingandconservingthenaturalenvironment.

• Maintainandenhanceexistingparkandrecreationalfacilities.• Seekopportunitiestodevelopnewparksandrecreationalfacilitiesto

meetthegrowingneedsofresidentsandvisitorsofScottsdale.• Reflect the unique features and lifestyles of the surrounding

neighborhoodsinthecharacterofparksandschools.• Provideneighborhoodparksthatareeasilyaccessibletolocalresidents

andprovidebasicrecreationalopportunities.• Locatecommunityparkswheretheyareaccessiblefromrelativelylong

distances.Communityparksconcentrateabroadrangeofrecreationalactivitiesformajorportionsofthecity.Somecommunityparksalsoincludehumanservicefacilities.

• Provideuniquerecreationalopportunitiesthroughspecialtyparks.TheseactivitiesmayrangefromridingtherailroadatMcCormickRailroadPark,torockclimbingandhorsebackriding,tosimplyenjoyingthebeautyofthenaturaldesert.

• Locateparkstoenhanceuniquelandmarksandenvironmentallysignificant areas.

• Providedesertappreciationroadsideareasorscenicviewpoints,alongsceniccorridors.


• Providetrailheadfacilitiesthatprovideparkingandtrailaccessforuserswhereneededandappropriate.

• Developparks,paths,andtrailswiththeparticipationofprivatedevelopmentthroughrequiredfees,dedicationofland,andconstructionoffacilities.

• Providetouristdestinationattractionsofarecreational,historical,orarchaeologicalnature.

• Parksshouldbelocatedtoenhanceuniquelandmarksandenvironmentally significant areas.

• Themethodfordeterminingbasicparkandschoolneedsshouldbeuniformlyappliedtoallareasofthecity.CharacterPlansmaydictatethetypesofparksorfacilitiestobebuilt.

• Optimizetheuseofexistingparksandrecreationalfacilities.• Recognize that there are potential conflicts between providing

recreationalopportunitiesforcitizensandprofessionalsportsteams.

8. Provide access to educational, recreational, and cultural services forall residents.

Accessibilityreferstothelocationoffacilities,theirdesign,andtheavailabilityoftransportationtoreachthem.• Seektoprovidenewfacilitiesinareasthatcurrentlylackthem.• Adaptexistingfacilitiestoensuretheiraccessibilitytoallpersons.• Strategicallylocatepublicfacilitiesandparkstoserveallneighborhoods

inthecity.• Provideparkstoallowforavarietyofrecreationalopportunitiestomeet

theneedsofallareasofthecommunity.• Facilitateaccesstoparksandcommunityfacilitiesbyavariety

oftransportationmodesincludingbicycle,pedestrian,andtransitprovisionstoreducerelianceontheautomobile.Ensurethattherearebicycleandpedestrianlinkstorecreationalfacilitiesandequestrianconnectionsforriderstoaccessopenspaceridingareas.

• Facilitateaccesstoeducational,recreational,andculturalservicesbytargetingprogramsforresidentswithspecialneeds.

• Providefullyaccessiblepublicfacilitiestoallresidentsandvisitors.• Ensurethatall-majorrecreationalfacilitiesandprogramsareeasily

accessedbytheareatransitsystem.


see Economic Vitality Element


Parks and Trail DefinitionsTherearemanycategoriesofparksproposedinthisopenspaceandrecreationsystemincludingNeighborhoodParks,School/Parks,CommunityParks,SpecialtyParks,DesertCharacterParks,andSchoolSites.Theindividualparksmayvaryfromonetypetoanotherastheirsurroundingschange.Multi-usetrailsarealsoanimportantpartofthecity’sopenspaceandrecreationsystem.Inaddition,theMcDowellSonoranPreserveprovidesopportunitiesforpassiverecreationareas.ThecityofScottsdaleVision2010ParksMasterPlanprovidesmoredetailaboutparksandrecreationfacilitiesforthecity.Copiesareavailablethroughthecity’sParksandRecreationDepartment.ThePreservationDepartmentcanprovidemoreinformationabouttheMcDowellSonoranPreserve.

Theparksandtrailcomponentoftheopenspaceandrecreationsystemaregenerally defined as:

Neighborhoods ParksPurpose: Provideprimaryrecreationservicesandfacilitiesthatareeasily

accessibleandavailabletolocalresidents.Parksize: 7-20acresAreaserved:Asingleneighborhoodorseveralneighborhoods,dependingon

thelocationofthepark.Location: Preferablyadjacenttoelementaryschools,neighborhood

centers,orothergatheringplaces.Nearthecenteroftheservicearea,withgoodpedestrian,bicycleandvehicularaccess.

Access: Principallypedestrianandbike.Whenlocatednexttoschools,may have drive-in traffic due to availability of youth sport fields forleagues.

Examples: PimaPark,PaiutePark

School/ParksPurpose: Providearangeofrecreationalservicesandfacilitiestoseveral

neighborhoodsthatareservedbyanelementaryormiddleschool.Sharedamenitiesmayincludelightedfacilitiesandlighted sports fields.

Parksize: 7-20acresLocation: Centraltoagroupofneighborhoodsandadjacenttoaschool

facility.TheSchool/Parkshouldbewithinreasonabledrivingdistanceofallhouseholdsintheservicearea.

Access: Pedestrian,bike,andvehicular.Shouldhavedirectaccessfromacollectorlevel(orlarger)street.

Examples: SonoranHillsPark,GrayhawkNeighborhoodPark


Community ParksPurpose: Centralizeafullrangeofrecreationalactivitiesformajor

portionsofthecitywiththecapacityofaccommodatinglargegroupreservations.Communityparksgenerallyfeatureacommunitycenterbuildingdesignedtomeetmulti-generationalrecreationneeds,andlightedrecreationalamenitiesandlightedsports fields.

Parksize: 20-80acresAreaserved: Severalneighborhoodsortotalcityplanningunit.Location: Preferablycentraltoagroupofneighborhoods,wherepossible,

adjacenttoaMiddleSchoolorHighSchool.Parkshouldbewithinreasonabledrivingtimeofallhouseholdsintheservicearea.

Access: Principallyautoandbike.Shouldhavedirectaccessfromacollectorstreet(orlarger)andnotthrougharesidentialarea.

Examples: ChaparralPark,EldoradoPark

Specialty ParksPurpose: To provide specialized facilities and to preserve significant

uniquefeaturesofthecommunity,includingenvironmentallysensitiveareas.

Parksize: VariableAreaserved: TheentirecityandbeyondLocation: Whennecessarytocapitalizeonanexistingfacilityorfeature,

orwhereaspecializedactivitycanbestbeprovidedtoserveinterestedpersons.

Access: Variable–mayrequirehighdegreeofaccess,e.g.baseballstadiumormayrequirecontrolledlimitedaccess,e.g.wildlifepreserve.

Example: McCormick-StillmanRailroadPark

Desert Character ParksWiththeOctober1999,ScottsdaleDesertParksDesignGuidelines,thecityestablishedcriteriaforthedesignandconstructionofparksthatconsidertheuniquequalitiesofdesertareasandprovidedirectionforexpansionoftheparksystemtoservetheresidentsoftheseareas.DesignofdesertparksemphasizestheuniqueSonoranDesertenvironmentthroughminimalsitedisturbance,desert-responsivearchitecture,andasensitiveapproachtolighting.Towardthisend,allparksshouldembodythecharacterofthedesert,reinforcedthroughsensitivesiteplanning,nativelandscapematerials,appropriatearchitecture,andthepreservationofsignificant natural areas within the park. All facilities are integrated into and are,infact,partofthedesertenvironment.


Selectionofappropriateparksitesandthedevelopmentofsuitablerecreationactivities are critical first steps in park development. When considering a potentialparksite,thefollowingcriteriashouldbeevaluated:

1. LocalContext2. Topographicsuitability3. Proposedprograms4. Appropriateaccess

NeighborhoodandCommunityDesertParksshouldincludeplaygrounds,ramadas,tennis,basketballandvolleyballcourts, soccer softball, and multi-use fields, and multi-use rooms.Petamenitiesshouldalsobeaconsideration.Thesefacilitieswouldbecentrallylocatedtothepopulationbasetheyareintendedtoserve.Lightingshouldbesensitivelyconsidered.

SpecialtyDesertParkfacilitiescouldbesimilartowhatisplannedforPinnaclePeak.Thesemayincludetrailheadparkingareas,desertopenspacepreserves,multi-usetrails,interpretivetrails,equestriancenters,mountainbikingcourse,restrooms,smallclassroomsforoutdooreducation,interpretiveandmuseum-likecenteranddemonstrationgardens.Thesewouldbelocatedtopreservepublicaccesstomostsensitiveoruniquenaturalorculturalfeaturesinthearea.

School SitesSchoolsusuallyincluderecreationalfacilitiesthatareprogrammedforyouthandadultactivitiesintheeveningsandonweekends.Manyschoolsitesareassociatedwithneighborhoodorcommunityparks.

TrailsThecity’sgoalistodevelopandmaintainacitywideinterconnectingnetworkoftrailstoprovidevaluablerecreationandtransportationopportunitiesforcityresidentsandvisitors.Trailscanfunctionastransportationandrecreationlinksbetweenschools,residentialareas,parks,employmentcenters,shoppingareas,andotherareasofinterest.Trailsalsoprovidehikers,walkers,joggers,equestrians, and mountain bikers opportunities to improve health and fitness, spendtimewithfamilyandfriends,enjoythenaturalenvironment,andescapethestressesofeverydaylife.Wherepossible,trailswillconnecttoneighborhoodsorserveasdestinations.Wherepractical,parkswillbeusedasstagingareasfortrailsintodesertormountainpreservationareas.TrailsarealsoaddressedintheOpenSpaceandRecreationElementandtheCommunityMobilityElement.


Related Plans and Policies:• Parks & Recreation 2018-2019 Strategic Plan• Community Services Master Plan (2015)• DesertOpenSpaceSystemPlan(11/1997)• ScottsdaleDesertParkDesignGuidelines(10/1999)• DesertPreservationTaskForceReport(4/1997)• GolfCoursePolicy(1997)• DesignStandardsandPoliciesManual• Scottsdale TrailsMasterPlan(2004)• ScenicCorridorPolicy(2001)• MaricopaAssociationofGovernments(MAG)DesertSpacesPlan(1995)• MAGDesertSpacesEnvironmentallySensitiveDevelopmentAreas

PoliciesandDesignGuidelines(6/2000)• Transportation Master Plan (2016)• MAG Regional Transportation Plan (2017)• MAG Strategic Transportation Safety Plan (2015)• Environmentally Sensitive Lands Ordinance

Reference:• Community Centers and Libraries map (Public Services and Facilities

Element)• Schools and School Districts map (Public Services and Facilities

Element)• Preservation map (Preservation and Environmental Planning Element)• Trails and Trailheads map (Preservation and Environmental Planning

Element)• McDowell Sonoran Preserve Access Areas Report

Element Graphics:• OpenSpaceMap• ParksandRecreationFacilitiesmap

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DYNAMITE BLVD.

JOMAX RD.

HAPPY VALLEY RD.

PINNACLE PEAK RD.

DEER VALLEY RD.

UNION HILLS DR.

INDIAN SCHOOL RD.

McDONALD DR.

CHAPARRAL RD./CAMELBACK RD.

INDIAN BEND RD.

McCORMICK PKWY.

DOUBLETREE RANCH RD.

SHEA BLVD.

CACTUS RD.

THUNDERBIRD RD.

GREENWAY PKWY.

BELL RD./FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT BLVD.

CAMELBACK RD.

McKELLIPS RD.

McDOWELL RD.

104t

h ST

.

96th

ST.

112t

h ST

.

120t

h ST

.

136t

h ST

.

142t

h ST

.

PALI

SAD

ES B

LVD

.

128t

h ST

.

PIM

A R

D.

64th

ST.

56th

ST.

SCO

TTSD

ALE

RD

.

HAYD

EN R

D.

RIO VERDE DR.

LOO

P 10

1

LOOP 202

BARTLETT DAM RD.

BEEL

INE

HWY.

(87)

LINCOLN DR.

TATU

M B

LVD

.

CAV

E C

REEK

RD.

GA

LVIN

PKW

Y.

Open Space Map

Scenic Corridor

Scenic Corridor/Desert Foothills Scenic Drive

Scottsdale McDowell Sonoran Preserve(See Preservation and Environmental Planning Element)

Buffered Roadways

Major Wash Corridor

Natural Open Space

Developed Arid Open Space

Developed Urban Open Space

Developed Parks/Green Open Space

Golf CoursecG

0 21 Miles3

North

cG

cG cG

cG

cG

cG

cG

cGcG

cGcG

cG

cG

cG

cGcG

cG

cG cG

cG

cG

cG

cG

cG

cGcG

cG

cGcG cG

cG

cG

cGcG

cG

cG

cG

cG

cG


Scotts

dale Airp

ort

THOMAS RD.

LOOP 101

JENNY LIN RD.

CIRCLE MOUNTAIN RD.

HONDA BOW RD.

ROCKAWAY HILLS RD.

DESERT HILLS DR.

JOY RANCH RD.

STAGECOACH PASS

CAREFREE HWY.

DOVE VALLEY RD.

LONE MOUNTAIN RD.

DIXILETA DR.

DYNAMITE BLVD.

JOMAX RD.

HAPPY VALLEY RD.

PINNACLE PEAK RD.

DEER VALLEY RD.

UNION HILLS DR.

INDIAN SCHOOL RD.

McDONALD DR.

CHAPARRAL RD./CAMELBACK RD.

INDIAN BEND RD.

McCORMICK PKWY.

DOUBLETREE RANCH RD.

SHEA BLVD.

CACTUS RD.

THUNDERBIRD RD.

GREENWAY PKWY.

BELL RD./FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT BLVD.

CAMELBACK RD.

McKELLIPS RD.

McDOWELL RD.

104t

h ST

.

96th

ST.

112t

h ST

.

120t

h ST

.

136t

h ST

.

142t

h ST

.

PALI

SAD

ES B

LVD

.

128t

h ST

.

PIM

A R

D.

64th

ST.

56th

ST.

SCO

TTSD

ALE

RD

.

HAYD

EN R

D.

RIO VERDE DR.

LOO

P 10

1

LOOP 202

BARTLETT DAM RD.

BEEL

INE

HWY.

(87)

LINCOLN DR.

TATU

M B

LVD

.

CAV

E C

REEK

RD.

GA

LVIN

PKW

Y.

Parks and Recreation Facilities

cC Community Parks

cS Specialty Parks

Neighborhood Parks

cCcN Planned Neighborhood Parks

Planned Community Parks

Scottsdale McDowell Sonoran Preserve(See Preservation and Environmental Planning Element)

cN

cG Golf Courses

0 21 Miles3

North

cN

cN

cC

cN

cN

cN

cC

cS

cN

cN

cN

cN

cC

cN

cN

cN

cN cN

cN

cC

cN

cC

cN cN

cC

cN

cN

cC

cN

cS

cC

cN

cN

cS

cC

cC

cN

cN

cC

cN

cN

cS

cC

cC

cN

Vista Del Camino

Pima

ApachePapago Rotary

Eldorado

Thomas Rd Bike StopPaiute Osborn

Scottsdale Civic Center MallIndian School

ChesnuttCamelback

ChaparralAgua Linda

Nature Area

Lafayette

McCormick Stillman R.R.ZuniShoshone

Comanche

RotaryMountain View

Scottsdale Ranch Stonegate

Rio MontanaChollaMescal

Cactus

NorthsightThunderbird

Aztec

McDowell Mountain RanchHorizon

Scottsdale Sports ComplexDC Ranch Neighborhood

Ironwood

DC Ranch Tennis CenterThompson Peak

Grayhawk

Sonoran HillsFlorence Ely Nelson

Pinnacle PeakGeorge “Doc” Cavalliere

Whisper Rock

Desert Mt.

cG

cG cG

cG

cG

cG

cG

cGcG

cGcG

cG

cG

cG

cGcG

cG

cG cG

cG

cG

cG

cG

cG

cGcG

cG

cGcG cG

cG

cG

cGcG

cG

cG

cG

cG

cG


Documents

Open Space and Recreation - Scottsdale · Page 116 Scottsdale 00 General Plan • The character and function of open space will be different depending upon the context of the area